Somalia: Area Representative

Save the Children is the world’s leading independent organisation for children. We work in 120 countries. We save children’s lives; we fight for their rights; we help them fulfil their potential.

We work together, with our partners, to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children and to achieve immediate and lasting change in their lives.

We have over two million supporters worldwide and raised 1.6 billion dollars last year to reach more children than ever before, through programmes in health, nutrition, education, protection and child rights, also in times of humanitarian crises.

By mid-2013 most of our international programmes will be delivered through a merged operation with 14 000 staff, managed through seven regional hubs and reporting to a relatively small, central office. We’re changing to become more efficient, more aligned, a better partner, a stronger advocate, a magnet for world-class peop le and relevant for the 21st century.

The role
The Area Representative has overall responsibility for development, management and delivery of quality programmes in Puntland. S/he will work through Field Managers based in Bosaso and Garowe to ensure all aspects of programming are coordinated resulting in efficiency, high team moral and cost effectiveness. S/he will ensure programmes implement key humanitarian principles and that we work in close collaboration with other key stakeholders and the government to promote and advocate for children’s rights. The post-holder is also required to liaise closely with staff, other NGOs and government institutions to ensure safety and security of Save the Children staff and assets.

The Area Representative must recognise that s/he is working in a large and complex country programme that operates through a matrix management system. The direct reporting line is through the Programme Opera tions section; however, close working relationships are essential with the Programme Development & Quality, Finance, HR and Member Service sections.

Qualifications and experience
• Degree in the field of social sciences, management or related field.
• Substantial experience in development and management of programmes in conflict affected countries. Experience of Puntland and remote support desirable.
• Experience in the leadership/direction, development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of multi donor, multi-site field programmes, including direct management and supervisory experience.
• Proven strategic planner and team leader with sound technical knowledge, conceptual and analytical ability, good judgment, and adaptive, flexible capacity.
• Proven ability to develop and lead a high performing team.
• Excellent people manager, mentor and coach
• Excellent written communications skill s in English including proposal/report-writing. Knowledge of Somali Language is advantageous
• Strong problem solving and organisational skills in day to day and crisis situations
• Experience of a flexible approach to managing and prioritising a high workload and multiple tasks in a fast paced environment with tight deadlines
• Experience of working collaboratively with local and national government, with NGO partners and a commitment to working through systems of children/community participation.
• Outstanding interpersonal and inter-organizational skills
• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s vision, mission, values and principles.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Please apply with a covering letter and up-to-date CV to: jobs.28719.3830@savethechildrenint.aplitrak.com